LAUNE x Plain Jane New York
Plain Jane New York doesn’t chase trends—and that’s exactly the point. With a focus on simplicity, quality, and subtle design, the brand is building a wardrobe of everyday pieces that don’t try too hard but still feel considered. Think quiet confidence in clothing form. Below, the duo behind Plain Jane New York shares their approach to minimalism, the appeal of restraint, and why getting dressed doesn’t have to be complicated.
1. Tell me about yourselves and Plain Jane New York. How was it created?
We’re longtime friends who met at our first job out of college at a marketing agency. From there, we moved to NYC from Detroit together and got jobs at different startups running and launching various marketing programs in several industries. We’d been talking about starting something of our own for years, and could never settle on one idea until we were on a trip together, talking about outfits and packing, and found we kept coming back to one core dilemma - the constant search for the perfect white tee—something that felt intentional, elevated, but effortless. After too many overcomplicated basics and inconsistent fits, we decided to make our own. We wanted to create a timeless t-shirt that fit every woman both physically and stylistically - something with an extended size range, sleeve length variety, and high quality materials (100% cotton always!). That was the start of Plain Jane New York: a line of perfectly cut white T-shirts made to feel like your forever favorite from day one.
2. What inspired the name of Plain Jane New York?
We wanted the name to be something that felt relatable - something we could build off of and personify. There’s something quietly powerful about simplicity. “Plain Jane” has traditionally been used to describe someone unremarkable, but we wanted to reclaim it. We see Plain Jane New York as something basic that is meant to be the canvas to build your personal style - all starting with a white tee. We also love that ‘Jane’ can be an actual personality behind the brand. We’re constantly asking ourselves, who is Jane? That’s the first thing we ask ourselves when we’re trying to make decisions about the brand.
3. What is the LAUNE (mood) of Plain Jane New York?
Very unserious, relaxed, casual—messy, even. Plain Jane New York is meant to feel like a day off in the city with your best friends by your side and no agenda.
4. They say good things come in threes! Your shirts come in three different sleeve lengths and are sold in packs of three. What inspired this unique approach—and how does it reflect your brand’s philosophy?
We believe in thoughtful edits over overwhelming choices. Three lengths - “The Short” (longest sleeve length—androgynous), “The Shortie” (classic length), “The Cap” (cap sleeve) - give you the freedom to wear them however and wherever you want. And the three-pack mirrors how people really wear tees: on rotation, on repeat, and never just one. We thought, how come men can easily pick up a 6-pack of Hanes tees that fit well, vs. women scouring stores for a semi-decent fit and purchasing individually? Also, it helps us lower the overhead and keep our per-shirt costs down.
5. What’s the best way to style a Plain Jane New York T-Shirt?
Anna - Layered under a sweater and paired with jeans on colder days…tucked into white shorts in the summer :) (also, lowkey, paired with boxers to sleep)
Hally - In the summer, all white! White jeans, the cap sleeve, great sunglasses. The rest of the year, paired with vintage trousers and leather loafers.
6. What inspires you?
NYC and our community here, traveling, each other <3
7. What do you love about New York?
We are obsessed with walking around the city. We have dedicated time for morning walks at least once a week before work, and on weekends when we’re free it’s our favorite thing to do. The people you see (and the outfits they’re wearing), the stores, the out-of-home advertising, the restaurants, the architecture… there’s inspiration and energy everywhere and you can truly not leave the house without discovering something new.
8. What’s next for you both and Plain Jane New York?
We’re truly just getting started. We’re exploring new essentials - same ethos, same edit, new silhouettes. Also, maybe a pop-up at our favorite vintage store. We’d love to bring the world of Plain Jane New York to life offline.
Rapid Fire:
1. Describe your style in three words.
Anna - minimal, effortless, timeless
Hally - tailoring, investment pieces
2. Favorite brand?
Anna - I’d be lying if I didn’t say Zara or Reformation. That’s where I find the best stuff that’s in my price range. I’m trying to focus more on sustainability and shopping secondhand, though.
Hally - Brands I love (that I mostly just admire from afar hehe) are Ann Demeulemester, The Row, Saint Laurent, Rick Owens, Maison Margiela, Issey Miyake, Phoebe Philo. That being said, I mostly shop vintage and pre-loved. I focus a lot on the materials my clothes are made of.
3. If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?
Anna - The Row or Sir The Label
Hally - The Row or Phoebe Philo
4. Dream collab?
Anna - Tibi
Hally - The designer, CONNER IVES. They do the coolest re-worked/upcycled pieces. We’d also love to collab on some custom embroidery with ABBODE in NYC.
5. What are three staple items that every closet should have?
White tee!!!!!!, good denim, and genuine leather loafers.
6. Favorite place?
Nyc <3, Paris all the time but especially in the summer and fall
7. Favorite restaurant in NYC?
Il Buco, Via Carota, Dudleys, Kikis
8. Favorite drinks spot in NYC?
The Wayland, Bar Pisellino, Maison Premier, 169 Bar
9. Favorite style icon?
Jane Birkin
10. Favorite movie?
Not a movie, but we both love Bravo, especially Summer House.
11. What are you loving right now?
All white outfits, white wine outside, french pedicures, protecting our peace, skinny cigarettes.
